Meal Preparation and Delivery in the NDIS

Meal preparation and delivery (often referred to as “meal prep”) is a type of support under the NDIS which can be used if specified as a reasonable and necessary support in a participant’s plans. It falls under the Assistance with Household Tasks category, which includes “supports that provide assistance with essential household tasks that a participant is not able to do themselves because of their disability.” 

What does the NDIS tell us?

The NDIS can fund the cost of meal preparation and delivery, but not the cost of food or ingredients. If your disability makes it difficult to prepare meals, you can use your funding for supports like a support worker or meal delivery services.

Meal preparation and delivery services must provide itemised invoices separating the cost of food from preparation and delivery costs. Services like Uber Eats or fast-food platforms typically don’t meet these requirements as they do not provide the necessary separation.

What is the effect of the new legislation?

Fast food services, takeaway food and food delivery platforms (excluding meal delivery platforms where the food and ingredient component can be separately identified from the meal preparation and delivery component) is now specifically excluded and is NOT an NDIS Support.

With the changes there is also options given to participants to apply for Replacement Supports for standard household items.

For detailed guidance, refer to NDIS Guidelines – Nutrition Supports including meal preparation .

Who Can Access Meal Prep Support? 

This support may be available to participants who: 

• have core support funding specified for meal preparation and delivery in their plan. 

• have funding for support workers to assist with shopping and cooking but may require meal delivery as a short-term alternative, such as during illness or when usual support is temporarily unavailable. 

What Does the NDIS Cover? 

The NDIS will only fund the costs associated with the preparation and delivery of meals. This includes the services of support workers who cook and deliver your meals. The cost of food itself and any commercial food delivery platform charges are not covered, as food is considered an everyday expense. If invoices are not clearly itemised, they may be flagged for further review.

At First2Care, we work with providers who offer meal prep support to make the process more convenient. In some cases, providers may send invoices directly to us for the preparation costs, while participants handle payment for the food separately. 

If you use the funds to purchase meal preparation and delivery, you can claim:

• 100% of the invoice if food costs are removed

• 70% of the invoice food costs are included

Kitchen Aids and Adaptive Devices 

Participants who require adaptive cutlery or kitchen aids may be able to access funding under personal care and safety supports, provided the items are considered reasonable and necessary. However, standard household appliances, such as a Thermomix, are not typically covered unless specifically approved by the NDIA under Replacement Supports. 

For more information or help navigating these supports, feel free to reach out to us!